Julián Castro applauds Nike's decision to pull Betsy Ross flag shoes

Democratic presidential hopeful Julián Castro on Wednesday applauded Nike’s decision to nix a pair of sneakers featuring a Betsy Ross flag. 

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The former Housing and Urban Development secretary said in a CBS News interview that he was “glad to see” the company’s decision. 

“I was glad to see that. And my hope is that they didn’t just do it to do it. They understand the significance there. And look, there are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful,” Castro said, pointing to “the Confederate Flag that still flies in some places, and is used as a symbol.”

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“I believe we need to move towards an inclusive America that understands that pain,” he added. 

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Nike decided to pull the shoe after former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who has been a spokesman for the company, raised concerns that some might find the flag offensive due to its connection to an era of slavery. 

Following the company’s decision, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that he will ask the state’s commerce authority to pull financial incentives for Nike over a planned location in the state.

Other Republicans, including Sens. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump’s public standing sags after Floyd protests GOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police MORE (Texas) and Josh HawleyJoshua (Josh) David HawleyGOP senator to try to reverse requirement that Pentagon remove Confederate names from bases Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Coronavirus Report: The Hill’s Steve Clemons interviews Mayor Quinton Lucas MORE (Mo.) have criticized the company’s decision, with Cruz vowing to never buy the company’s products again.

Castro is among two dozen people competing for the Democratic Party’s 2020 presidential nomination.